Microaggressions Affecting People of Color in Clinical Training

What is it about?

This study examines the experiences of clinicians of color in training who face microaggressions while providing therapy or working under supervision. Using collaborative autoethnography, 10 clinicians shared their encounters with these harmful interactions and the emotional toll they experienced. The research highlights four themes: the variety of microaggressions experienced, their impact on well-being, the lack of immediate responses, and how these experiences led to personal and professional growth despite significant challenges. The findings call for training programs to better address and prevent microaggressions to foster equity and inclusion.

Featured Image

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Microaggressions in clinical training can harm the mental health and professional development of clinicians of color, compounding existing systemic inequities. This study sheds light on the emotional burden of these experiences and underscores the need for programs to implement structural changes, such as anti-racism education and policies to address discrimination. These measures can help create safer and more supportive environments for diverse trainees, ultimately improving the quality of mental health care.